Chapter 8 -4

Alphabet of Utopians The Utopians have only the books of Lascari, because I have not brought Theodore. They have only the dictionaries of Hesigias and Deoscrites, and nothing else. .They love to read the works of Plutarch ⑤ and are attracted by Lucian ⑥'s witty talk. As far as poets are concerned, they have Aristophanes ⑦, Homer ⑧, Eurypides ⑨, and Alder BC Sophocles BD in small print. As for the history ① Lascari (Constantine Lascaris) ——Greek scholar in the fifteenth century, settled in Italy after 1453, and wrote "Greek Grammar" as the first book printed in Greek fonts. ——Chinese translator ②Theodorus (Theodorus, 1398-1478)—— The Greek Grammar was published in 1495 and received high praise. ——Chinese translator ③ Hesychius (Hesychius)

——Greek dictionary editor in the fourth or sixth century. ——Chinese translator ④Dioscorides——Greek dictionary editor from the fifth to sixth centuries. ——Chinese translator ⑤ Pu Lutarch (c. 46-c. 120) - author of "Comparative Biographies of Greek and Roman Celebrities", very famous, here also refers to his "Ethical Essays". ——Chinese translator ⑥ Lucian (about 115-about 20)—ancient Greek satirist. ⑦Aristophanes (about 448 BC—about 380)—ancient Greek comedian. ——中Translator ⑧ Homer - According to legend, the author of the ancient Greek epic (Iliad) and "Odyssey". The two epics may be works earlier than the seventh century BC. - Chinese translator ⑨ Euripides (Euripides, About 480-406 BC)—ancient Greek tragedian.——Chinese translator Aldus (Aldus, 1450—1515)—a printer in Venice, Italy, printed Greek BC and Latin works, proofread accurately, sold Inexpensive, convenient format. He also used italics for the first time. ——Chinese translator Sophocles (496-406 BC)—Ancient Greek tragedian. ——Chinese BD translator

family, they had Thucydides, Herodotus, and Herotian. In addition to medical books, my companion Trisias Alpinides brought Hippoge Several short essays by Radi ⑤, and "Little Skills" by Galen ⑥. The Utopians attach great importance to these books. Although Utopia has the least need for medicine among the countries of the world, the Utopians respect medicine the most, because they regard medicine as the highest and most practical kind of knowledge. When they use this When they explored the secrets of nature through the science of learning, they found not only great pleasure in their work, but also great praise from the Creator and Maker of nature. They imagined that this Creator and Maker, like all other artisans In the same way, presenting the visible structure of the universe for human observation, alone endows man with the ability to appreciate this wonderful thing. For this reason, the special favor of this creator and maker is that which carefully observes and admires his finished product. One kind of man, and not another, brutishly obstinate, displayed before such a grand and majestic spectacle

① Thucydides (Thucydides, about 460-about 40 BC) Ancient Greek historian, author of "History of the Peloponnesian War". ——Chinese translator ②Herodotus (Herodotus, about 480-about 425 BC)—an ancient Greek historian, dealing with the theme of the war between Greece and Persia between 490-479 BC. ——Chinese translation ③ Herodian (Herodian, about 165-about 250) - a Syrian who wrote in Greek, describing the historical facts about the Roman emperors, from Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius) Aurelius, reigned from 161 to 180) died until 238. ——Chinese translator ④ Trisias. Apinatus) - a coined word, meaning a boring person. - Chinese translator ⑤ Hipocrates (about 460-37 BC) - ancient Greek doctor, medical writer. - Chinese translator ⑥ Galen (Galen, about 129-19)

——An ancient Greek doctor, who was the imperial physician of Roman Emperor Marco Aurelius. "Little Skills" is one of the most popular popular medical works. ——Chinese translator Ignorance and dullness. The intellect of the Utopians, therefore, being exercised in the various sciences, is well adapted to the inventions of arts and conveniences for the convenience and convenience of life. In two things they owe us, namely, printing and paper--though not It is entirely due to us, and mostly due to themselves. We showed them Alder's book on paper, and talked about paper materials and printing technology, but the talk was very general, because we were all laymen. But They were very clever, and immediately figured out what it was all about. Before that, they just wrote on parchment, bark, and papyrus, but from then on, they tried papermaking and printing. At first, their attempts were not so good. Successful, but after frequent experiments, they quickly mastered these two techniques. They are very successful, as long as they have the original books of Greek writers, they will not worry about the lack of books. But at present, the books they have on hand are limited to the ones I mentioned above Those, but they printed thousands of volumes, and expanded the number of books. All tourists who come to visit, if they are talented or have the experience of long travel and familiarity with many countries, they must be greeted with enthusiasm by the Utopians. Listen to what's going on around the world. It makes them happy that we land here. Not many come to Utopia for trade. What's there to import but iron?

As for gold and silver, that is what outsiders want to bring out from here. Moreover, regarding the commodities for export, the Utopians think it is wiser to manage them by themselves instead of using foreigners to ship them. Through this policy, Utopia has more With regard to the situation in foreign countries, at the same time keep your seamanship from becoming rusty from useless. about slaves and more All the prisoners of war captured by the Utopians themselves in the battle, the children of slaves, and the people in slavery they acquired from foreign countries are not regarded as slaves in Utopia. The other category is prisoners who have been sentenced to death for crimes in other countries. Most slaves belong to the second category. They get a large batch: sometimes they are bought cheaply, and sometimes they come for free Yes. Such slaves not only have to work constantly, but are also chained. It is especially regrettable that Utopia treats slaves among its own citizens more severely, because although they have received a good moral education, they are still not immune to crime, Severe punishment should be doubled to serve as an example to others. There is also a kind of slave, which is the poor laborer of another country who sometimes volunteers to live a life of slavery in Utopia. These people are treated well, but the work is heavier, It is what they are used to, and besides they enjoy almost the same lenient treatment as citizens of Utopia.

The Utopians do not force them to stay, nor do they let them go away empty-handed. As I said above, the Utopians take good care of the sick and do not leave them without anything that can restore their health. Medicine and food are all provided. They comforted the incurable, talked to each other, and tried to alleviate their pain. If a disease is not only incurable, but painful, then priests and rulers come to advise the patient, who is now unable to perform. Any obligation in life, to drag himself down, to trouble others, should have died long ago and lived past the deadline, so he should resolve not to let this plague drag on, not to hesitate before death, life is only torture to him, but to cherish in the earnest hope of release from this life of misery, as from imprisonment and torture. Or he may voluntarily allow others to release him. It would be wise for him to act in such a way, for his death It is not to ruin the enjoyment, but to end the pain. And he will obey the advice of the priest, and the priest is the interpreter of God's will, so it is a pious and holy action. Those who listen to the above reasons and accept the advice or Death by hunger strike, or relief in sleep without the feeling of death. But the Utopians will never take the life of such a patient against his will, nor will he relax his care for it. They believe that a death so advised is honorable. But a man who murders himself without the consent of the priests and council does not receive cremation or burial, but an unseemly exposure in the swamp. The woman arrives Marriage is only at the age of eighteen, and men must be four years older. If men and women prove to have committed the crime of adultery before marriage, they will be severely punished. Such crimes were committed, and the parents involved suffered great disgrace for their failure to fulfill their responsibilities. Utopia imposed heavy penalties for this crime, because they foresee that if the pre-marital promiscuity is not strictly prohibited, the formation of Couples will be few, and couples live together for life, and endure all the hardships that go with it. In choosing a mate, Utopians scrupulously observe customs that seem to us foolish and utterly ridiculous. The woman does not care It is a virgin or a widow, who must be naked, and is brought by a respectable old woman to appear before the man who proposes. Likewise, the man is also naked, and is accompanied by a cautious man to the woman. We must laugh at such Utopians express astonishment at the extreme stupidity of all other nations. Consider how one takes prudence in buying a pony which does not cost much, though it is almost naked and not Will pay for it, unless it takes off its saddle and full harness, lest there be some rotten sores hidden beneath. Only based on the part that is almost the width of one hand, that is, the exposed face, while the rest of the body is completely wrapped in clothes. In this way, if you form a partner with her, if you find any dissatisfaction in the future, it will be difficult to live together harmoniously DownGo. Not all men are wise enough to value only a woman's virtue. Even a sensible man, in matters of marriage, thinks that beauty greatly adds to virtue. No doubt clothes may hide ugly deformities, so that the husband does not The wife has psychological resentment, and at this time physical separation is not allowed by law. If this disability is caused by accident after marriage, a man can only consider himself unlucky, but the law should prevent him from being deceived before marriage. This precaution is all the more necessary because Utopians are the only people in this part of the world who practice monogamy, and unless death occurs, the marriage relationship will not be interrupted. But adultery or bad temper can not get along, it is Exception. When the man or woman feels emotionally hurt in this way, the council allows another match. The divorced party suffers lifelong disgrace and lives alone. If the wife has nothing to blame and is ill Utopians do not allow a man to separate from her against her will. Abandoning a person when she needs comfort the most, or being treated against faith in an old age that is prone to illness and is itself sick, these in Utopia It seems cruel and inhumane. However, sometimes the couple’s temperament is not very harmonious, and both parties have a favorite person who is expected to live a happy life together. They can divorce and marry separately under mutual consent, of course, with the approval of the council in advance. Only when The members of the Council and their wives conducted in-depth investigations into the case, and the divorce was approved. Even with an in-depth investigation, it was not so easy to approve, because the Council knew that if it was easy to expect to remarry, it would be very important for the consolidation of the marriage. The love between husband and wife will be unfavorable. Those who destroy the relationship between husband and wife will be punished as the most miserable slaves. If both parties are married, a pair of victims can divorce the other party who committed adultery and marry each other if they want to. Or you can marry the person you like. But if one of the victims is still reluctant to part with the wronged partner, their marriage is not prohibited from continuing to take effect, as long as one party is willing to live and work together with the other party who is punished as a slave. Sometimes one party Some expressed remorse, while the other party worked seriously. For this reason, the two received the mercy of the governor and were free again. Punishment is determined according to the heinous degree or forgivability of individual crimes. For serious crimes, public punishment is used to promote social morality. Otherwise, husbands correct wives and parents correct children. For those who have committed the most serious crimes, they are generally punished as slaves. This kind of punishment scares the prisoner and is good for the country, rather than hastily killing the criminals, so that they will be wiped out at once. It is more beneficial to make them work than to kill them, and they can prevent others from committing crimes for a longer period of time as negative teachers. If They riot and rebel, and if they don't obey such treatment, they will be killed like wild beasts trying to cross the threshold. If they endure such treatment, then they have not lost all hope. Toiled to become docile, the contrition shown proves to have caused them painWhat they care about is not that they are punished, but that they are guilty, so they can reduce the slave's hard labor or get a full pardon because the governor uses his privileges or the people express their general will. The attempted seduction and actual rape are punished the same. In each crime In , deliberate intention and genuine action are regarded as the same law, because Utopians feel that those who try to commit crimes will not be freed by finally attempting to do so.

They admire the person who plays the buffoon. It is extremely indecent to insult a buffoon, but it is not forbidden to take pleasure in buffoons' jokes. Such fun is seen as a great benefit to buffoons themselves. If someone is serious and unhappy, No clown can be entrusted to such a person if he has no interest in his actions and speech. The only function of a clown is to make a laugh, and such a person feels that a clown is useless to him, or even has nothing to make him laugh. He is not tolerant enough of buffoons. To laugh at someone who is disfigured or mutilated, Utopians think there is no shame in the person being laughed at, but it is despicable to the person who laughs at it, because it is stupid to blame a person for something, as if there is Faults, which he was powerless to avoid. Although not valuing natural beauty is considered a sign of laziness and stupidity, the appearance of painted and powdered clothes is in their opinion a disgraceful affectation. Utopians experience tells that no matter how beautiful the wife They are not as virtuous and pious as they can get the love of their husbands. Some men only yearn for a pretty face, but the only thing that can keep their husbands’ love forever is chastity and obedience. They not only use punishment to prevent people from committing crimes, but also give them With honor. Therefore, for the great men who have made outstanding contributions to their country, they set up statues in the square to commemorate their lofty achievements, hoping that future generations can admire the honor of their predecessors and strive to make progress. Those who run sports to seek official titles always completely Hopes are in vain. People in Utopia get along with each other in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere. The magistrate is not arrogant or daunting. The people call the magistrate a father, and the magistrate does his best. It is a matter of course, and the common people are never forced to respect. The sign that the governor is different from the common people is not that he wears a robe and a crown on his head, but that he has a bunch of ears of grain in his hand, just like the sign of a bishop is that someone holds a candle in front of him. Their decrees Rarely, for few decrees suffice for a people so educated. They find the chief defect of other peoples that the almost innumerable volumes of decrees and interpretations are not enough. The Utopians find it grossly unjust to bind the people by decrees that no one can understand. And they expel all lawyers who skillfully manipulate the case and misinterpret the law. They think it best for a party to tell the lawyer directly Present your case to the judge and defend your case. When a man conducts his own case without the instigation of a lawyer's deception, and the judge is good at weighing the various arguments and helping the honest man to defeat the false accusation of the cunning, the truth is easy to see , allowing no ambiguity. Other countries have difficulty obtaining this advantage, because their laws are numerous and complicated. But in Utopia, everyone is proficient in laws. First, as I have said above, they have few laws. The most obvious interpretation is the most just interpretation. This policy is based on their argument that since any law is promulgated to make everyone do their duty, esoteric laws can only affect a few people. This function (because few people understand it)

, as for the simpler and more obvious meanings of the law, everyone will understand. Otherwise, there will be no laws at all, or the interpretation of the laws that have been enacted will only be arrived at after a high degree of ingenuity and long debate. What is the difference between ordinary people, who are the most numerous and most in need of inspiration?The untrained judgment of the common people cannot grasp the meaning of this explanation, nor can they spend their whole lives long enough, since their chief business is to earn the means of subsistence. These virtues of the Utopians inspire their neighbors (who are free and independent) Neighbors, many of whom were liberated from tyrants long ago with the help of the Utopians) asked them to send officials there for a term of one or five years. After all, these people welcomed the new officials to their country. They really thought about their own country very well. Since a country's fortune depends on the character of officials, then, except for those who choose integrity and do not serve as lures Is there a more sensible choice?It turns out that Utopian people will soon return to their home country, and any benefits will be useless to them, and because they are not familiar with the local citizens, they will not be affected by improper favoritism. , immediately destroys all justice, and justice is the source of a country's strength. The Utopians call the countries that ask the Utopians to send administrators allies. As for all other countries that the Utopians have given benefits, they are called friends. All others The treaties that are often negotiated, broken, and renewed between countries, Utopians do not conclude with any country. They ask: "What is the use of treaties, can't nature itself connect people closely? Is it disrespectful to nature?" Do people still value what is written in words?"

The Utopians formed the above opinions, mainly because in these parts of the world, the treaties and alliances between kings and kings were not faithfully observed. However, in Europe, especially those places where Christian beliefs and doctrines prevailed, the dignity of treaties It is regarded as sacred and inviolable everywhere, partly because of the wisdom and justice of the kings of various countries, and partly because of the reverence and fear of the highest heads of the church. Promises, those who resist the breach are reprimanded and condemned by the Church. Of course, the Pope has every reason to think that it is very shameful for those ordinary people who are especially called faithful believers to fail to faithfully fulfill their promises. In this world from the equator and ours The distance is not so great as in the New World, where life and character are so different from ours, and treaties are not trusted. The more complicated and sacred rituals are involved in making a contract, the faster it will be torn up. People find out sometimes in wording is a loophole deliberately and cunningly made, so that whatever firm agreement binds them, there is always a way for them to evade, break the treaty, and break the trust. If this cunning, or rather deceit, is found to be between private The same kind of man who scornfully condemned the contract of God as blasphemous and worthy of death, yet was the same man who honored the king with such cunning in making the treaty. Hence, The thought cannot but be aroused, that justice and law-abiding are altogether low virtues of common people, unsuited to the majesty of kings, otherwise there are at least two forms of justice and law-abiding, one is walking, crawling on the ground, suitable to common people, and The chains are heavy, so do not go beyond the limit; the other kind of justice and law-abiding is the virtue of the king, which has a greater dignity than ordinary people, so it is far more free and unrestrained, and can do whatever it wants, except that the king does not like it. I It has been pointed out that the rulers there are so insecure that the Utopians have reason not to make any treaties. Had they lived with us, they might have changed their minds. They believe, however, that although treaties are faithfully kept, the custom of making treaties It is a pity that it has developed. The result is (it seems that the people who have been separated by mountains and rivers have no natural connection to unite them)

, it is believed that we are each other's natural rivals and enemies, and are justified in killing each other, unless a treaty prohibits it. Moreover, even if a treaty is made, friendship is not formed, but plundering on the high seas is still at will, and because of the lack of writing in the drafting of the treaty Adequate prevention of such plundering was never included in the statutes. On the contrary, the Utopians believed that no one should be considered an enemy who did not do you harm, and that natural partnerships, instead of treaties, were better and more It is goodwill, not agreement, and spirit, not words, that firmly bind men together. about war War is the only activity suitable to wild beasts, but no beast of any kind engages in war as frequently as man, so the Utopians hate war. Contrary to the practice of almost all countries, the Utopians regard the glory sought in war as It is very dishonorable. Yet their men and women go to military training assiduously on fixed days, lest they should not be able to fight if need be. But they never go to war lightly. They go to war only to protect their own territory, or To drive out an enemy who invaded a friendly country, or, out of pity for a nation oppressed by despotism, to liberate it by force from the yoke of a tyrant, is an act inspired by human sympathy. Utopians aid their neighbors, usually Not just to protect, but sometimes to avenge damage done to neighbors. Utopians act only when they are first consulted. Disregarded for damages, they took the lead in battle. The Utopians had to resort to force finally, as the enemy invaded and plundered, but sometimes with greater ferocity, if friendly merchants were attacked by another country under the guise of law enforcement (as from the injustices imposed on them by excuses for laws which are themselves wrong, and for the misinterpretation of laws which are not wrong in themselves). ① Nephelogetes —A invented word whose Greek elements mean "one who is born of the clouds" , that is, a person who is obscure and unresolved. ——Chinese translator Such was the origin of the war waged by the Utopians. The Utopians felt that the merchants of Neferozed were being bullied by the Ara Obritans under the pretense of law. Retaliation. Nearby nations poured their resources into the war, fueling the flames and fueling resentment. Most prosperous nations were either shaken or languished. Until the Arra Obritans surrendered and were reduced to slavery , the endless disputes that took place ended. The Utopians did not fight for their own interests, so they handed over these slaves to the Neferozeds. When the Arraobritans were prosperous, the Neferozeds were far behind. Utopians are so vengeful for wrongs done to their allies, even if it involves only money, but not for wrongs done to themselves. This anger is limited to cutting off trade with the countries concerned before compensation is obtained. This is not because they care more about their allies than their own citizens. It turns out that they feel more sad about the money loss of the allies than their own money, because the loss of friendly merchants is Private property, merchants are very distressed, while what their own citizens lose is only from the public treasury, which is inexhaustible and superfluous in Utopia-otherwise it would not be exported across the border. Because of this, No individual feels this loss. The Utopians consider it cruel to avenge such a loss by losing many lives, since the disadvantages arising from such a loss are of no consequence to the lives and livelihoods of all Utopians. Influence. But if a citizen of Utopia is anywhere crippled by bullying or ① Alapolitanes - coined from Greek, meaning "citizens of the country of the blind" , one said it refers to "citizens among the stateless". ——Chinese translator Killed, whether due to the conspiracy of a government or a private person, the Utopians first sent envoys to find out the truth, and then refused to stop when the criminal was not handed over, but immediately declared war. The criminals were handed over, and the Utopians executed them, or reduced them to slavery. The Utopians felt regretful and shameful about the victory achieved by mass killing, and it was tantamount to paying too high a price for the purchase of precious goods. If they used strategy to win and defeating the enemy, they take it with great glory, and celebrate their victories openly, and erect monuments to their triumphs, as great heroic deeds. Whenever they have won intellectual victories, which no beast but man alone can achieve They boasted that their deeds were valiant and heroic. They said that only bears, lions, wolves, dogs, wild boars and other beasts engaged in combat with strength. Most of these beasts were stronger than man, More ferocious, but not as clever as men. The sole aim of their warfare, if it had been achieved earlier, would have avoided the need for a declaration of war. Since it is necessary to fight, they give severe punishment to those who have to confess their crimes. Punishment, so as not to dare to commit the same crime in the future. This is their main purpose in war to be completed quickly, but more attention is paid to avoiding risky behavior than to gaining honor. Once war is declared, they try to be in enemy territory at the same time Numerous notices were posted secretly in the main areas, which had a greater influence because of the public seal of the Utopians. The notice stated that anyone who killed the king of the enemy country would be rewarded. In addition, the heads of other people listed in the notice A lesser, but no less generous bounty was also placed. The Utopians considered these men second only to kings in provoking wars. The prize was doubled for the head of the condemned enemy. They The same rewards are also given to the condemned enemies, and their personal safety is guaranteed, if they revolt and return to the sincerity. Therefore, the enemies quickly become worried about all outsiders, and they themselves doubt and suspect each other. Most of the enemies, especially the king himself, were betrayed by the number one cronies around him. With a lot of money bought, people will be moved by their hearts, and they can do anything. Utopian people are not stingy about rewards. Remembering how much risk they would expect a man to do, and how much reward they sought to risk, they not only promised, but faithfully paid, a great deal of gold, and also gave to a man in safe places in friendly countries. Good-paying estates. The practice of buying the enemy at a high price is condemned elsewhere as immoral cruelty. The Utopians regard it as very honorable, and think it shows their wisdom. Humanism and mercy, the death of a few guilty people can save a large number of innocent people from both sides. They sympathize with the people of their own country and the people of the enemy. They know that ordinary people will not go to the battlefield voluntarily, but driven by the madness of the king. If this strategy fails, the Utopians sow discord among the enemy, encouragingInstigate internal strife, instigate the king's younger brother or minister to covet the throne. If this plan fails, they instigate the enemy's neighbors to get involved in the dispute, and make new long-forgotten territorial claims, such demands that kings never lack. The Utopians agree To support in the war, they are very generous with money donations, but they don’t easily send their own country’s manpower. They cherish their own citizens and value each other so much that they are unwilling to exchange any compatriots for the enemy’s king. As for gold and silver, they are so Stored only for this purpose, so they give as much as they please, without sparing. Even if they spend their gold and silver, they live just as well. And, besides the wealth accumulated at home, they also have great treasures abroad, I It was mentioned above that many nations owed them debts. With this wealth the Utopians recruited mercenaries for war from all quarters, and especially from among the Seporids. This people lived five hundred miles east of Utopia, and their appearance Abominable, rough and barbaric. They love their own deep mountains and old forests, which is where they grow. They are strong, resistant to cold and heat, not afraid of hard work, and they are not particular about life. They are laymen in farming. They live and dress casually. They live largely by hunting and plundering. They are naturally warlike, and always seek an opportunity to fight. When the opportunity comes to them, they will not miss it. They leave their country in large numbers, and for a small reward, serve on any side that recruits. The only thing they do in this world is to pursue death. They fight bravely and faithfully for those who pay them. They are not bound by fixed deadlines, however. For a higher reward, even if it is the enemy, they will turn away; another day, they will return to the original side for a little more reward. In every battle, many of the soldiers of the opposing sides It is seen almost every day that these people who are related to each other are employed by one side at the same time, so they are intimate with each other, but suddenly separate into soldiers in two camps, meet and fight. They forget that they are of the same blood, forget Forfeiting their friendship, they killed each other desperately. What drove them to kill each other was nothing but the meager money paid by the two kings who hired them. , they are easily lured into another ①Zapoletes——Decocted from Greek, meaning "people who are eager to sell themselves". ——Chinese translator On the one hand. They quickly acquire the habit of covetousness from this, but it does them no good. The money they earn at the risk of their lives is immediately spent in dissolute and shameless lives. This nation is willing to be driven by Utopians, War against either side, for they get more money in their employ than from anywhere. The Utopians take good men to use wisely, and recruit bad ones to use badly. Whenever the need arises , the Utopians lured the Seporets to great adventures with great gold as bait. Under normal circumstances, most of these people would not survive to receive a reward, but those who survived received the full reward as originally proposed, In order to motivate myself to do the same thing again regardless of life and death. The Utopians don't mind at all how many Seborites sacrificed their lives for them, thinking that if they can clean up these disgusting human dregs in the world, they will bring the greatest benefits to the world. In addition to employing the Seborites, the Utopians also employ the soldiers of the country they support in battle, and the reinforcements of all other friendly countries. Finally, they send a detachment of their own citizens, and choose a tried and tested The bravest man commanded the whole army. Under him were two second-in-commands, who did not increase their rank while he was not in danger. But if he was captured or killed, the first of the two second-in-commands succeeded him, and if circumstances required, In this way, although the changes in the battle are often unpredictable, the whole army will not be thrown into chaos because of the danger of the command. They select citizens who volunteer to enlist in each city. No citizen will come under compulsory orders. Foreign wars. The Utopians believe that if a person is a little timid, not only will he not be brave, but will also weaken the morale of his companions. But if the war spreads to the country, those cowards, as long as they are strong, will be sent to the ship.和那些勇士混合编组，或是被派去在逃脱无从的地方把守城墙. 这样，他们在自己的同胞前由于畏缩而感到羞愧，敌兵又近在咫尺，想逃走已不可能，这一切使他们忘记害怕，不得不拚死一战.任何人都不会在强迫命令下派赴国外作战，相反，妻子如渴望随丈夫出征，不但不被禁阻，还事实上受到鼓励和赞扬. 她们出发后，在战场上被位置于自己丈夫的身旁. 每个战士周围有自己的儿女及妻子和其他亲属，他们天然地休戚相关，就会彼此非常紧密地团结，相互支援. 丈夫回去而遗失了妻子，儿子回去而不见了父亲，都被看成奇耻大辱. 因此，当战事发展到短兵相接时，敌人还负隅顽抗，那就是一场历时较长的剧烈厮杀，双方都一兵一卒不留.我上面说过，只要能够借助于雇佣军而结束战争，他们总是力求避免不得不亲自作战. 万一他们必须亲自上阵，其作战之勇猛，不亚于其曾尽量努力避免一场战祸的巧智. 攻击一开始，他们倒未必厉害，可是对抗慢慢加强后，他们逐渐展开自己的实力.他们的斗志很顽强，宁可被剁成粉碎，不后退一步. 由于无须为家中的生计操心，又无须为子女的未来担忧（这种忧虑到处使最有勇气的人失去勇气） ，他们精神昂扬，志在必胜.他们又从接受过的专门军事训练取得信心. 最后，他们从小由于教育以及国家的良好制度而形成的正确健全观点也使他们分外有勇气. 因此，他们既不贱视生命，轻率地牺牲自己，也不过分珍惜生命，到了应该光荣殉节的时刻还苟且求活.在战争到处进行得十分激烈的关头，由精选的青壮年组成的敢死队上前搜捕敌酋. 他们既给他明刀明枪，又暗中伏击. 他们从远从近一齐进攻. 有大批新生力量不断插入，让疲劳不堪的退下来，这样，进攻继续不断地进行着. 如果敌酋不拔步逃命，他一般总是被击毙或生擒.如乌托邦人得胜，决无滥杀情况，他们宁可俘虏败兵，而不将其处死. 他们追击敌军时，必在自己的军旗下保持一支随时准备交锋的人马，纵使全军其余部分被击溃，这部分后备力量却使他们转败为胜. 他们宁可让敌人逃脱，一般不在后追赶，以免自己的阵容混乱. 他们记得，不止一次有过这样的情形，他们军队的大部分人马溃退，敌军因胜利而得意洋洋，从四面八方追赶过来，可是少数早就埋伏好以应付万一的乌托邦士兵，突然袭击自以为无虞而疏于戒备的四处分散的敌人. 于是战事的整个局面为之一变，他们从敌人手中夺去一个十拿九稳的胜利，从战败者转而为战胜者.很难说，他们所擅长的是善于使用伏兵，还是小心回避伏兵. 你会以为他们打算逃脱了，其实却完全不是这么一回事. 相反，他们下定决心要逃脱时，你倒以为他们有与此不同的别种打算.当他们发现自己在数量或阵地上处于劣势时，他们便在黑夜中悄悄拔营撤退，或用策略回避敌人，有时他们在白天撤兵，不被发觉，并且秩序井然，倘要在他们后退时加以袭击，就如同在他们前进时一样危险. 他们的营房周围戒备周到，有深沟阔壕，壕沟中挖出的土堆向里方. 他们不用最下层的劳工从事这个工程，而是由士兵亲自动手. 全军都参加这项劳役，除掉部分士兵手持武器在围堤上戒备，以防不测.这样，由于群策群力，他们完成巨大的防御工事，围绕一大片空地，全部进行的速度令人难以置信. 他们穿的盔甲异常坚固，足以抵御砍杀，但又便于身体的各种动作. 即使他们在水中游泳，也不感到任何不便，因为他们所受的战术训练的一部分就是全身披挂在水中游泳.他们使用的远程武器为箭，步骑兵都是挽弓有力、命中率高的神手. 在短兵相接中，他们放下刀剑，抡起斧头，那是一种沉重而又锋利的杀人武器，不管是刺还是砍. 他们巧于发明战具，制成后，严守秘密，以免在非必要的情况下走漏风声，使用无效，流为笑柄. 他们制作这些战具时，首先注意的是易于携带，便于转动.他们如和敌人订停战协定，就严格履行，即使在敌人挑衅情况下也不破坏协定. 他们从不蹂躏敌人的土地，不烧毁敌人的庄稼. 他们倒是要自己的人马远远离开这些庄稼，不得践踏，让为长好可供他们自己享用. 他们不伤害非战斗人员，作密探者除外，他们对投降的城市，秋毫无犯. 即使是攻破的城市，他们也禁止劫掠. 但他们处死那些反对投降的敌人，把其余参加守卫的敌兵贬为奴隶. 至于和平居民，他们一概不加以伤害. 如他们查出有人曾建议投诚，他们从罚收的财物中取出一部分犒赏这种人. 乌托邦人把其余的没收财物赠给友军，他们自己则对战利品一无所取.战事结束后，乌托邦人不向他们支援作战的友邦索取费用，一切击战败国支付. 在这方面，他们要战败国付出现金，将其储存以便用于类似的战事.他们还要战败国交出庄园，每年从中征收大量贡金. 他们在许多国家享有这项岁入，由于不同来源的逐渐积累，每年总收入达七十万元金币以上. 他们派出若干公民到这些庄园中作财务经理，住在那儿，生活豪华，显出大员的身分.然而还是省出大宗款项归入公库，除非他们愿意将这笔钱存在战败国作为信贷. 他们经常实行这种信贷，直到他们自己需用这笔钱，而且即使情况如此，他们也很少索回全部款项. 他们也从庄园的收入中拨一部分给那些接受他们的要求去完成冒险的使命的人们，关于这种冒险使命，我在上面已经提到过.如任何国王起兵攻击乌托邦人，准备进犯领土，乌托邦人立即调动大批军队出国境迎击. 他们不轻易地在本国土地上作战，同时，不管发生任何紧急情况，他们也决不让外国援军进驻他们的岛上. 关于乌托邦人的宗教 不但乌托邦全岛总的说来有各种宗教，在每个城市也是如此. 有人崇拜日神，有人崇拜月神，又有人崇拜其他某一种星辰. 若干乌托邦人尊敬以道德或荣誉著称的先贤，把他当做神，甚至最高的神. 可是绝大多数人，也是较有见识的人，从不信这些，而只信某个单一的神，这个神是不为人知的，永恒的，巨大无边的，奥妙无穷的，远远超出人类的悟解的，就其威力说而不是就其形体说是充塞宇宙间的. 他们称他为父，把万物的起源、生长、发育、演化、老死都归之于他. 只有对他，乌托邦人才加以神的尊称.并且，其他所有的乌托邦人尽管信仰不一，却在这点上意见一致，即只有一个至高的神，是全世界的创造者和真主宰，在本国语言中一致称为“密特拉” ①. 但不同的人对这个神持不同的观点.然而乌托邦人都认为，不管这个至高的神指谁，他是自然本身，由于其无比的力量和威严，任何民族都承认，万物的总和才形成.可是乌托邦人正摆脱各种混乱的盲目信仰，趋向于一致地承认在所有信仰中最合情理的一种信仰. 毫无疑问，其他的信仰本来早就应该消失，可是他们的一名成员在考虑改变信仰时，偶然遇到不幸的事，于是出于恐惧心理不将其解释成出于偶然，说成是来自天谴，仿佛不继续受到某人礼拜的神对于这种不虔诚施以报复.但是乌托邦人听见我们提到基督的名字、他的教义、他的品德、他的奇迹. 他们还听见我们谈到许多殉道者同样值得惊异的坚贞不屈精神，这些殉道者甘愿流血，终于使远近无数国家趋向于他们的信仰. 当乌托邦人听到这一切后，你很难相信，他们多么欣然愿意接受这个宗教，这也许由于上帝的颇为不可思议的灵感，或是由于他们认为这个宗教最接近他们中间普遍流行的信仰. 可是我认为这一个因素也很重要，即他们听说基督很赞同他的门徒的公共生活方式，又听说这种方式在最真正的基督教团体中还保持着. 然而不管对他们起影响的是什么，他们不少人接受了我们的信仰，并经过洗礼.可是在我们四人中（这是剩下的全部人数，我们一共六人，已死去两人） ，很抱歉没有一个神父，因此这些乌托邦人 ①密特拉（Ｍｙｔｈｒａｓ）——古波斯太阳神. ——中译者